418 Users manual Release 1.03 – December 12, 2012 Part #74468 Printed in USA 1
MODEL 418
OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
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418 Users manual Release 1.03 – December 12, 2012 Part #74468 Printed in USA 2
Table of Contents
1. Your new 418 ______________________________________________________________ 4
1.1. Unpacking 418 __________________________________________________________________ 4
1.2. About this Manual _______________________________________________________________ 4
1.3. Accessory package _______________________________________________________________ 4
1.4. Connection to Antenna & Power Supply_____________________________________________ 5
1.5. A word about grounding __________________________________________________________ 5
1.6. Philosophy of design _____________________________________________________________ 5
2. 418 FRONT PANEL ________________________________________________________ 6
2.1. SWITCHES ____________________________________________________________________ 6
2.2. Band Buttons ___________________________________________________________________ 6
2.3. Attenuator Button _______________________________________________________________ 6
2.4. Delay Button (DLY) _____________________________________________________________ 6
2.5. Delta Button ____________________________________________________________________ 7
2.6. Leds ___________________________________________________________________________ 7
2.7. Display ________________________________________________________________________ 7
2.8. Backlight_______________________________________________________________________ 7
3. 418 Rear Panel_____________________________________________________________ 8
3.1. ACC 1 _________________________________________________________________________ 8
3.2. Power _________________________________________________________________________ 9
3.3. Fuse ___________________________________________________________________________ 9
3.4. Antennas _______________________________________________________________________ 9
3.5 Key In / Out_____________________________________________________________________ 9
4. Amplifier Connections ______________________________________________________ 10
4.1. 418 to 539 Argonaut VI __________________________________________________________ 10
4.2. 418 to Other Rigs _______________________________________________________________ 10
5. Fault ____________________________________________________________________ 12
5.1. Fault conditions ________________________________________________________________ 12
5.2. List of fault Examples ___________________________________________________________ 12
6. Specifications _____________________________________________________________ 13
7. Block Diagram ____________________________________________________________ 14
8. In Case of Difficulty________________________________________________________ 15
9. Warranty & Return Policy___________________________________________________ 15
10. Addendum A (Added November 6, 2012) _______________________________________ 17
418 Users manual Release 1.03 – December 12, 2012 Part #74468 Printed in USA 3
NOTES:
418 Users manual Release 1.03 – December 12, 2012 Part #74468 Printed in USA 4
1. Your new 418
1.1. Unpacking 418
Examine the 418 for signs of shipping
damage. Should any damage be apparent, notify the delivering carrier immediately,
stating the full extent of the damage. Save all
damaged cartons and packing material.
Liability for any shipping damage rests with
the shipping carrier.
1.2. About this Manual
A complete description of the features and
functions on the 418 is included within the
pages of this manual. The latest version of
the 418 manual is also available for viewing
at www.tentec.com. You may also find a full
set of schematic diagrams at this same web
location.
1.3. Accessory package The additional hardware and accessories
listed in Fig 1.3-1 come standard with your
new 418. Look over the items listed and refer
to the 5 digit TEN-TEC part number and
description should you find the need to
replace an accessory. To purchase additional
accessories and parts or to report an item
missing from this list, please contact Service
at TEN-TEC, INC. (865) 428-0364.
Qty Part # Description
1 46216 3.5mm to 2 RCA jacks cable
1 27091 Auto Style Fuse, 25 Amp 32V
1 35241 8 PIN DIN Connector
1 35263 Plug – Stereo, 3.5MM (1/8)
1 46174 8 PIN DIN TO 8 PIN DIN cable
2 41073 Fork Terminal
1 46214 Power Cable
1 74020 Warranty card
1 74468 Manual for 418
1 74450 How do I become a TEN-TEC Ambassador
Table 1.3-1 418 Packing List
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1.4. Connection to Antenna &
Power Supply
The 418 is designed for use with any antenna
system providing 50 Ohm resistive
impedance at the desired operating frequency.
Every effort should be made to ensure the
impedance of the antenna system is as close
as possible to the specified 50-Ohm value.
Note: The “G5RV” type antenna and some
Windom’s do not provide 50-Ohm impedance
on all HF Amateur bands, and an external
wide-range antenna coupler may be needed
with this type antenna. Any antenna to be
used with the 418 must, ultimately, be fed
with 50 Ohm coaxial cable.
The 418 requires a source of well-filtered and
regulated DC voltage. The supply voltage on
the 418 is 13.8 Vdc nominal +/- 15% to allow
for mobile and battery operation. The
voltage source must be capable of supplying
23 amperes continuous duty. The model 940
or 941 TEN-TEC power supplies will meet or
exceed your voltage and current
requirements. We recommend using the
included DC power cable (P/N 46214). Use
of #12 stranded wire is recommended for
mobile and in home use to accommodate the
required current demand during transmit.
Note: Always enable the power source first
and then the amplifier. If a generator or
battery connected to a charger is used to
supply the DC source, always turn off the
amplifier before starting or shutting off the
DC source equipment. These recharging
devices often generate large voltage spikes
that can damage the amplifier.
1.5. A word about grounding
A good ground system is essential for
optimum operation of any HF transmitter.
The best solution is to connect all the station
equipment to a single ground connection.
Information on grounding can be found in the
ARRL Handbook. A good ground system can
contribute to the station efficiency in a
number of ways including minimizing the
possibility of electrical shock, and
minimizing RF currents flowing on the shield
of the coax cable causing interference to
electrical equipment and transceiver
accessories.
1.6. Philosophy of design With the Model 418, Ten-Tec has created a
100 watt solid state silicon MOSFET
amplifier combining automatic or manual
control for ease of operation in the 160-
through 6-meter ham-band.
Refer to the Block Diagram in SECTION 7
for the following discussion. Receive signals
are routed through the antenna connectors
(Ant 1-2 or Ant 6) along to the antenna relays
then to the T/R relays. Signals then move on
to the lowpass filter board and finally the
Radio connector and transceiver.
Transmit signals are applied to the Radio
connector and routed to the T/R relays on the
lowpass filter board and then to the input
attenuator, input power bridge and frequency
counter. This transmitted signal is applied to
the 100 watt MOSFET amplifier and back to
the lowpass filter to be applied to the correct
filter and on to the antenna relays, finally
moving to the antenna connector Ant 1, 2, or
Ant 6.
The PIC processor in the CPU module
executes firmware to perform functions such
as check input power and frequency, enable
bias to the MOSFET amplifier, checking
SWR, current, output power and temperature
based on the inputs from the front panel
buttons, key in jack or data from the ACC 1
connector. Cooling is achieved with the two
internal fans that are controlled by the CPU
that is monitoring the temperature of the
MOSFET heat sink.
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Figure 2.1 418 Front Panel
2. 418 FRONT PANEL
This section of your 418 Manual will discuss
the front panel operations and adjustments.
2.1. SWITCHES
On Off power switch
Used to turn on the amplifier. In the off
position, the amplifier is in bypass mode. In
bypass the RADIO connector is connected to
ANT 1 only.
Ant 1 Ant 2
This switch selects either Antenna 1 or
Antenna 2. The 6 Meter antenna is always
selected when the amplifier is on 6 Meters
2.2. Band Buttons
Individual band buttons are used for manual
selection of one of the 11 bands. If the wrong
band was selected the 418 will count the
incoming RF of 200 milliwatts or more and
select the correct band.
2.3. Attenuator Button
This button is used to reduce the input power
to the amplifier when 5 watts or less can not
be supplied. When selected the button will
light plus show either 0,2,4 or 6 db of
attenuation on the display directly above the
button. To determine the value of attenuation,
this formula can be used.
(Power in)x(db multiplier)=RF to amplifier
db multiplier
2 .625
4 .400
6 .250
Example Power in=20 watts attenuator = 6 db
20 x .250 = 5 watts.
The ATTENUATOR button can used to
lower the output power of the 418 when less
than 100 watt output is desired.
2.4. Delay Button (DLY)
The delay button delays the transmit to
receive transition keeping the amplifier in
transmit mode longer during cw keying. The
amount of delay can be seen directly above
the DLY button on the display. Each press of
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the DLY button will increase the delay. To
decrease delay press and hold DLY button for
3 seconds. The up arrow will turn off and the
down arrow will turn on. Pressing of the DLY
button will now decrease the delay.
2.5. Delta Button
When the delta button is pressed and lit the
amplifier looks for data coming in on the
ACC 1 connector for band selection. If there
is no data the amplifier will remain on the
band selected.
2.6. Leds
The TX led will light to show when the
amplifier is in transmit mode. Another led
mounted in the logo will light when the
output power reaches approximately 80 watts.
2.7. Display
Visible on the display is a 10 to 100 watt bar
graph for forward power, and a 1 to 3 SWR
bar graph. The forward bar graph features a
hanging peak dot to indicate peak output
power. Also above the 100 watt indicator is a
long bar with a + sign. This is to let the
operator know the output power is above 100
watts. Ic refers to the current of the Mosfet
finals. TEMP refers to the temperature of the
heat sink. Not always seen are the words
OVERDRIVE, and FAULT. More on this in
section 5.
2.8. Backlight
The LCD has 6 leds to backlight the display,
2 red, 2 blue, and 2 green. To change the
backlight, press and hold the 80 Meter band
button until multiple band buttons light.
Pressing the 160 Meter button will increase
the red intensity, pressing the 40 Meter button
will decrease the red intensity. Pressing the
80 Meter button will increase the blue
intensity, and pressing the 30 Meter will
decrease the blue intensity. Pressing the 60
Meter button will increase the green intensity,
and pressing the 20 Meter button will
decrease the green intensity. After setting the
color and brightness, pressing the DELTA
button will save these setting and put the 418
in normal operation mode.
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3. 418 Rear Panel
3.1. ACC 1 The 418 is equipped with an 8 pin accessory
connector. Refer to following figure for the
pin definitions as viewed from the rear of the
amplifier.
6
1
4
2
5
3
7
8
ENADATA
CLK
AMP KEY
Figure 3-1 ACC1 Pin out
The pin out and function are listed in the
following table.
Pin Name /
Direction
Usage
1 Not used
2 Ground Grounding
3 Not used
4 Not used
5 Clock /
Input
For use with 539
6 Enable /
Input
For use with 539
7 Data /
Input
For use with 539
8 Amp Key Used to key the Amplifier.
Table 3-1 ACC1 Pin out
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3.2. Power Anderson Power Pole connectors are used for
the 13.8VDC nominal +/- 15% input. These
connectors are rated for 30 Amps each. The
voltage source must be capable of supplying
23 amperes continuous duty
3.3. Fuse The fuse is an auto style 25amp.
3.4. Antennas There are 4 SO239 connectors on the rear of
the 418. The 1st, labeled RADIO is the RF
input connection from the transceiver.
HF ANT 1 and HF ANT 2 are the HF
antenna connections selectable from the front
panel switch. 6M ANT connector is always
selected when 6 Meters is selected on the
front panel.
Figure 3.5-1
3.5 Key In / Out The rear panel on the 418 has a 1/8” stereo
jack for connection of a key input and key
output. The tip is used as the key input to key
the 418 and the ring is used as a key out for
other configurations. The key out has a 4
millisecond delay to allow the amplifier’s
relays to engage to prevent hot switching. The
key out is not a relay. It is a transistor switch
rated for a maximum of 24 volts and 250 mA.
Note: You can not use paddles to key this
amplifier.
See Figure 3.5-1 for proper wiring. See
section 4 for other connections.
1/8” stereo jack, part number 35263
KEY IN
KEY OUT
1/8” stereo to 2 RCA jack, part number 46216
NOTE: HOT SWITCHING
The 418 has built in hot switching protection.
When the 418 is keyed and has RF output, if
the key down line is then removed from the
418 the 418 will not switch back to receive
until the RF has disappeared. This prevents
the T/R relays from trying to switch high
levels of RF.
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4. Amplifier Connections
4.1. 418 to 539 Argonaut VI
The 418 can be interfaced to the 539 using
only the 8 pin din cable. The 539 will control
band changes and keying the amplifier
4.2. 418 to Other Rigs
The 1/8” key jack provides a key input on the
tip and a key output on the ring to allow the
418 to key other transceivers. Some methods
are shown below.
SSB OPERATION
Cable number 46216
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CW AND SSB OPERATION
CW OPERATION
Cable number 46216
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5. Fault
5.1. Fault conditions
When a fault condition occurs the 418 will go
into bypass mode and display the word
FAULT and what problem was found on the
display. To recover from a fault condition,
press any key on the front panel. The only
fault that this will not reset is a Ic FAULT.
To correct this problem cycle the power
switch on the 418 off and on. The SWR
FAULT will only happen when the output
power is over 50 watts. An automatic antenna
tuner can be tuned at power levels less than
50 watts without getting an SWR FAULT. If
all band buttons are flashing in transmit with
no output power, the 418 is trying to be
operated outside of the ham bands. To correct
tune inside of the ham band on radio and
press one of the band buttons on the 418. For
unusual problems a master reset can be done.
Press and hold the ATTN button and turn on
power, release the ATTN button.
5.2. List of fault Examples
DISPLAY condition
FAULT Ic >30 amps
FAULT TEMP > 85 degree C
FAULT OVERDRIVE >10 watt in
FAULT OVERDRIVE PWR >115 watts out
FAULT SWR HIGH >3.5:1 swr
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6. Specifications Key Jack: 1/8 “ Stereo Tip-Key in Ring- Key out ACC Din Connector: 8 PIN DIN
Connector – Aux Key,Clock/Data/Enable, Ground
DC Power Connector: Power Poles
Fuse: Automotive Blade Style Fuse, 25 Amp 32V
Frequency Range: 160-6 meters. Specifications apply within Amateur Radio bands only.
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms nominal.
Antenna Connectors: 4 x SO-239
Supply Voltage Range: 13.8V +/-15%
Operating Temp. Range: 0-50 degrees Celsius
Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.625” x 6.5” x 7.6” (excluding feet and connectors)
Weight: 5.4 lbs
Construction: Molded plastic bezel, aluminum chassis, front and rear panels and texture painted steel covers
Display: Custom FSTN monochrome LCD
Display Backlight: 6 LEDS
RF Power Output: 100 W, +/- 1 dB
CW & SSB Duty Cycle: continuous service @ 100W
AM,FM,AFSK,PSK Duty Cycle: continuous service @100W, 50% duty cycle (Tx/Rx)
Cooling: 2 internal fans temperature controlled
Harmonic & Spurious Outputs:
-50dBc typical@100 W HF
>-60dB @ 6 METERS
Current Drain: transmit 17 amps
Third Order Intermod: 30dB below peak
All measurements are typical. Results will
vary based on different Test Environment,
Tools, and Test Methods. Specifications are
subject to change.
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7. Block Diagram
13.8VDC +
-
POWER
RELAY
ANT6 ANT2 ANT1 RADIO
ANTENNARELAYS
T/R
RELAYSATTENUATOR
POWER
AMPLIFIER
LOW PASS
FILTERS
KEY
ACC 1
REGULATORSIN/OUT
CPU
LOWPASS FILTER
FRONT PANEL
DISPLAY
KEY PAD
POWER SWITCH
ANTENNA SWITCH
EEPROM
PICI C(DISPLAY)
2
CLK,DAT,ENA(KEYPAD)
POWER RELAY FAN CONTROLCONTROL5V,3.3V
CL
K,D
AT
,EN
A
TEMP,Ic,ENA
TE
MP
,Ic,E
NA
I/O
REAR PANEL
KE
Y I
N,K
EY
OU
T
PW
R R
LY
CO
NT
RO
L
FA
N C
ON
TR
OL
1/8" JACK
8 PIN DIN
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8. In Case of Difficulty
While we cannot cover every possible
problem, here are some hints for dealing with
some potential difficulties. Check the
obvious. Is your DC power source stable?
Check power supply, all the cable and look
for loose connector(s). Is the 25 ampere fuse
loose or missing? Antenna problems? Try a
dummy load. Is a proper antenna connected?
Is there an external antenna switch connected
and properly set?
Problem: Distorted SSB transmit – or –
Perceived RFI in the shack.
The ALC LED should flash on voice peaks,
but not remain continuously lit in SSB modes.
A frequent cause of a distorted SSB signal is
inadequate RF grounding resulting in RF
feedback. Common RF grounding problems
are no ground connection, or too long a lead
to a good ground. Many problems relate to
the lack of an RF station ground, as
contrasted with a safety ground connection.
We recommend bonding all equipment
chassis together with short heavy metal braid
or strap. Make these connections from
chassis ground lug to chassis ground lug and
connect the last piece in the chain feeding the
antenna to a good earth ground. This lead
needs to be as short as possible. Lengths near
¼ wavelength on any band used can be
particularly troublesome when the far end is
connected to earth. It is very important that
the external power supply and the transceiver
and all equipment with grounding lugs are
properly grounded.
Another potential cause of distorted SSB
arises when the station is in the near field of
the antenna or on a second story room. This
is a problem many apartment dwellers face.
RF can also be induced on any unshielded
wires.
Problem: 418 power shuts off while
transmitting The 418 is equipped with a silicon-controlled
rectifier that opens if the PA current draw
exceeds an instantaneous power of
approximately 30 amps. This will shut off
power to the mosfet finals. Excessive current
draw can indicate a problem with excessive
SWR due to antenna or feedline problems.
Power to the 418 can be restored by cycling
the power switch off and on or the 13.8 Vdc
source off and on.
If the above do not solve your problem,
please consult with our service department
(865) 428-0364 or [email protected]
9. Warranty & Return Policy
Warranty policy for Ten-Tec products is
covered on the last page of this manual.
FOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURED BY
TEN-TEC: TEN-TEC factory built radio
equipment is sold under a 30-day risk-free
trial period. Any piece of equipment
manufactured by TEN-TEC may be returned,
undamaged, within 30 days of purchase for a
full purchase price refund, less shipping
charges (customer pays shipping both ways).
If you want to return a piece of equipment
purchased from TEN-TEC, please call the
sales department at (865) 453-7172 from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Mon-Fri and
obtain a return merchandise authorization
number. Calling in advance for an RMA
number allows us to quickly process your
return and refund once your item arrives.
Ship return items with letter enclosed inside
the box noting the RMA number and your
name, address, and telephone number.
Return items are shipped to
TEN-TEC INC, 1185 Dolly Parton Pkwy,
Sevierville, TN 37862 USA.
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FCC Compliance
Note: This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult TEN-TEC service for technical
assistance (865) 428-0364
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10. Addendum A (Added November 6, 2012)
A change was made to the software of the 418 to permit a customer to bypass the feature where the
418 will automatically select the 6 meter antenna, and permit it to follow the two position switch
for antenna 1 vs antenna 2.
To change antenna selction for 6 meters.
Turn on the 418, press and hold button “6”.
The TX LED will flash 1 time to disable the 6 meter antenna and allow 6 meters to be on antenna 1
or 2, selected by the front panel antenna switch.
Press and hold the button “6” again, TX LED will flash 2 times. This will reset 6 meters to the 6
meter antenna.
This setting is retained through power cycles. There is no visual indicator as to which method is
chosen, therefore the user needs to either remember how they have it set up when using the 418 as
an amplifier, or the user should press and hold the “6” button until the appropriate number of LED
flashes indicating the correct 6 meter antenna usage.
This feature is available in software version 418v1b203. This software started shipping with 418
units on November 5, 2012. The 418 does provide the capability of being upgraded to this software
version. Please contact TenTec service to get instructions on how to perform this upgrade. Part of
the process entails the use of a Factory Service Cable. It is imperative that once the upgrade is
finished that the Factory Service Cable is disconnected prior to operating the 418 as an amplifier.
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Ten Tec, Inc. 1185 Dolly Parton Parkway
Sevierville, TN 37862 Repair Service: (865) 428-0364
LIMITED WARRANTY AND SERVICE POLICY, U.S.A. AND CANADA
Ten Tec, Inc., warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, under these conditions:
THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER. It is important that the warranty registration card be sent to us promptly.
READ THE MANUAL THOROUGHLY. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from
improper operation. Developing a thorough understanding of this equipment is your responsibility.
IF TROUBLE DEVELOPS we recommend you contact our customer service group directly at
the address or phone number shown above. It has been our experience that factory direct service is expeditious and usually results in less down-time on the equipment. Some overseas dealers do offer warranty service and, of course, have our complete support.
EQUIPMENT RETURNED TO THE FACTORY must be properly packaged, preferably in the
original shipping carton(s). You pay the freight to us and we prepay surface freight back to you. Canadian customers must have proper customs documentation sent with incoming repair equipment. Duties or fees charged to improper documenting are the responsibility of the owner of the equipment.
EXCLUSIONS. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, lightning, excess
voltages, polarity errors or damage resulting from modifications not recommended or approved by Ten-Tec. In the event of transportation damage, a claim must be filed with the carrier. Under no circumstances is Ten-Tec liable for consequential damages to persons or property caused by the use of this equipment.
TEN-TEC RESERVES the right to make design changes without any obligation to modify
equipment previously manufactured, or to notify owners of changes to existing equipment.
THIS WARRANTY is given in lieu of any other warranty, expressed or implied.
SERVICE OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.A. OR CANADA
Many of our international dealers provide warranty service on the equipment they sell. Many of them also provide out of warranty service on all equipment whether they sold it or not. If your dealer does not provide service or is not conveniently located, follow the procedure outlined above. Equipment returned to us will be given the same attention as domestic customers but round-trip freight expense, customs and broker fees will be paid by you.
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